I made some cranberry juice the other day for my son. I think he had a urinary/ kidney infection. I have always known cranberry juice and lemon work so good together. I have also made a roll-on mixture of essential oils that I have been using along with this which I will blog about later.
Cranberries have vitamin C and fiber, and are only 45 calories per cup. In disease-fighting antioxidants, cranberries outrank nearly every fruit and vegetable--including strawberries, spinach, broccoli, red grapes, apples, raspberries, and cherries. One cup of whole cranberries has 8,983 total antioxidant capacity. Only blueberries can top that: Wild varieties have 13,427; cultivated blueberries have 9,019.
While they are available frozen year-round, Costco and many stores have them fresh from October -December. Fresh cranberries stored in a tightly-sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator will last up to two months. But be careful: If one starts to get soft and decay, the others will, too--so remove soft ones before you store them. Cooked cranberries can last up to a month in a covered container in the fridge or you can freeze them they will last a year if they are frozen! So next time you see them stock up!
But…The health benefits of cranberries are almost totally depleted when generous amounts of sugar is added. Thus the cranberry cannot provide you with its full phytonutrient benefits when there has been lots of sugar added and that is why we are making our own!
It is so fast and easy to make your own cranberry juice and it is so good for you to drink. You never know when your kidneys may need a glass! I use about 2 cups of cranberries at a time. I don't strain mine because it has great fiber which is great for the digestive system.
You will need a pot, blender, storage containers, honey and Lemon Essential Oil from Doterra.
- In a pot add 6 cups water and 2 cups cranberries
- Bring to a boil over high heat
- Cover and reduce heat to medium
- Cook for 5-10 minutes or until skin begins to break
- Let cool 10-20 minuets
- Add cranberries and liquid to blender and blend 20 seconds or until completely mixed
- Pour concentrate into storage jars and refrigerate
Benefits of Cranberry Juice
- Cranberries are high in vitamin C, and have antioxidant and antibacterial effects in the body.
- Cranberries are a rich source of the flavonoid quercetin which can inhibit the development of both breast and colon cancers.
- Preliminary studies show that drinking cranberry juice is good for the health of the heart.
- Research indicates that cranberries are an excellent source of antioxidants which may protect against cancer, heart disease and other diseases.
- Found to decrease production of cavity and plaque producing bacteria in your mouth.
- Also found to reduce the bacteria associated with peptic stomach ulcers.
- In clinical studies, cranberries have been shown to help maintain a healthy urinary tract.
- Cranberries are especially beneficial to the eyes (they significantly improve symptoms of cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy).
- Evidence on how cranberry juice fights bacteria that cause urinary tract infections.
- Cranberries contains natural chemicals that act as antibacterial agents and preventing E. Coli which is the bacteria largely responsible for urinary tract infections, from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract.
- The chemicals in cranberry juice flush the E. Coli from the body during urination thus it is not able to cause an infection.
- Cranberries contain quinic acid which prevents calcium and specific phosphate chemicals from binding together. These two binding together is what forms kidney stones thus preventing kidney stones.
And Even More
Promotes Weight Loss
Cranberries are high in antioxidants, which help to flush out your system. This in turn improves your metabolism and digestive system so that you can begin to lose weight quicker.
Anti-Aging Properties
The antioxidants contained in cranberries will help your body to get rid of all the free radicals which contribute to the aging process. They will not only help your skin to look young, but your internal organs will also be able to function longer without problems.
Improves Mental Health
Cranberries can also help to lift your moods by relieving stress, anxiety and depression. Studies show that they are good for the brain and can help to improve your memory.
Strengthens the Immune System
The antioxidants work hard to flush out the harmful toxins which suppress the immune system. Once these are removed, your immune system will be strong so that you can ward off just about any sickness or disease.
Relieves Skin Conditions
Skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema can all be healed with the use of cranberries.
